Running in the attic
Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Pensacola rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Pensacola, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Pensacola homes and businesses, from the historic houses of North Hill and East Hill to the ranch homes of Cordova Park and Ferry Pass. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5327 customer reviews
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Pensacola.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Pensacola
Why Pensacola Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Pensacola sits on Pensacola Bay in the westernmost corner of the Florida Panhandle, sheltered from the Gulf of Mexico by Santa Rosa Island. Warm, humid weather most of the year, a large Navy presence at NAS Pensacola, and a mix of century-old homes downtown and newer construction across Escambia County give rats and mice plenty of places to hide.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Pensacola. They travel along oak limbs and power lines in older neighborhoods like North Hill and East Hill, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, vents and rooflines. In the North Hill Preservation District, a National Register historic district with 425 historic buildings, old soffits and attic vents without screens give roof rats an easy way into century-old homes.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground and water. We find them along Pensacola Bay and Bayou Texar, near restaurant dumpsters downtown on Palafox Street, and in garages and sheds in the ranch-style homes built across Cordova Park in the 1960s through the 1980s. Every part of the city has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each home as its own job.
Services available in Pensacola
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Pensacola
Most Pensacola jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic and crawl space rat removal for Pensacola homes, from century-old houses in North Hill to ranch homes in Cordova Park.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants, bars and shops downtown on Palafox Street and near NAS Pensacola.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall or ceiling? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics and garages, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps and garage corners with metal and mortar so rats cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalCareful cleanup of droppings with disinfectant, never sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread germs.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingDoor sweeps, vent screens, roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Pensacola homes.Learn More →
Early warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Pensacola Home
Most calls start with one of these. If you notice more than one, assume there is more than one rodent.
Droppings in the garage or attic
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Gnaw marks near the pantry
House mice leave small gnaw marks on cardboard boxes, cereal bags and baseboards near the kitchen.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, attics and near the water heater.
Grease marks along walls
Rats follow the same paths along baseboards and beams, leaving dark smudges from their fur.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Pensacola Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Pensacola, Norway rats show up near the bay, Bayou Texar, dumpsters and garages, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, palm trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, sheds, rubbish and along seawalls
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
House Mouse
Mus musculus- Size
- About 1/2 ounce
- Tail
- About as long as its body
- Nests
- Inside walls, cabinets, appliances and furniture
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Pensacola starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation, crawl space vents and pier and beam skirting
- Oak trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and grills
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease marks and gnaw marks
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping without sealing the openings just buys time. We find every entry point first, then close it with materials rats cannot chew through.
- Metal flashing and 1/4 inch hardware cloth over gaps
- Mortar and steel mesh on foundation and slab openings
- Door sweeps and garage seals
- Chimney caps and roof vent screens
- Traps placed indoors on active paths, checked on return visits
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Pensacola Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a historic North Hill house and a 1970s Cordova Park ranch have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl space vents and skirting under pier and beam homes
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Bird feeders, pet food and grills
- Seawalls and yards near Pensacola Bay and Bayou Texar
A rat can squeeze through a gap about 1/2 inch wide, and a mouse through about 1/4 inch.
Our process
How We Get Rats Out of Pensacola Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths rats use. We check them on return visits and remove what we catch.
- 4
Clean
Droppings and nests are removed and the area is disinfected. We tell you if insulation needs replacing.
- 5
Confirm
We come back until there are no new signs, then give you simple tips to keep it that way.
The number of visits depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection, and we return at no extra charge if activity comes back during the follow-up period.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water after heavy rain can be a concern near the bay.
Salmonellosis
Food or surfaces contaminated with rodent droppings can spread salmonella bacteria to people.
Rat-bite fever
Rare, but can spread through a bite, scratch, or contact with an infected rodent.
Cleaning Up Safely
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak, then wipe up with paper towels.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings, it can put germs in the air
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Myth vs fact
Rat Myths We Hear From Pensacola Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only old homes near downtown get rats
- Fact: Ranch homes in Cordova Park and newer construction near Ferry Pass get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not just old construction.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from nearby trees, the bay or a neighbor’s yard.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Historic home with crawl space | Skirting and vents are hard to seal correctly | Skirting and vent sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Pensacola
Rodent Control for Pensacola Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Pensacola
From century-old houses in North Hill and East Hill to ranch homes in Cordova Park and newer construction near Ferry Pass, each Pensacola home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Crawl space and skirting checks
Older pier and beam homes in North Hill and East Hill get special attention.
Follow-up visits
We come back to check traps and confirm the activity has stopped.
Commercial Rodent Control in Pensacola
Restaurants and bars downtown on Palafox Street, and businesses near NAS Pensacola, deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
How Pensacola homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Pensacola Home
Pensacola has homes from every decade since the early 1900s. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: North Hill and East Hill
- The North Hill Preservation District has 425 historic buildings, many with pier and beam foundations that give rats room to nest underneath
- Homes in East Hill, built mostly before the 1960s along Bayou Texar, often have older soffits and attic vents without screens
- Gaps in crawl space skirting and rotted sill boards
- Big oak trees with branches that touch the roof
Newer homes: Cordova Park and Ferry Pass
- Cordova Park was built mostly between the 1960s and 1980s, and is almost entirely single-story ranch homes
- Low-pitched rooflines and wide eaves common to ranch construction give rats a place to slip under the roof edge
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through exterior walls
- Garage door corners and carport framing used as a way in
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Pensacola, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Pensacola has very different neighborhoods packed into a small city. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
North Hill Preservation District
A National Register historic district with 425 buildings dating to the early 1900s. Old soffits, attic vents and pier and beam foundations are the usual entry points.
East Hill and Bayou Texar
Historic homes built before the 1960s along the bayou. Norway rats burrow near the water, and roof rats use the tree canopy to reach the attic.
Downtown and Palafox Street
Historic commercial buildings, shared walls, bars and restaurants. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Cordova Park
Single-story ranch homes built mostly in the 1960s through the 1980s. Low roof edges and AC line gaps are the usual entry points.
Warrington and NAS Pensacola
Homes built up around the Navy base, established shortly after the Navy Yard opened in 1826. Older base-area housing and nearby homes need regular soffit and vent checks.
Pensacola Bay and Waterfront
Homes and businesses along the bay, sheltered by Santa Rosa Island. Norway rats burrow near seawalls, docks and marinas.
Rodent activity by season
How Pensacola Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Pensacola has a humid subtropical climate, but its Panhandle location means winter nights get noticeably colder than South Florida. Rats stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Hot, humid summers and afternoon storms flood low areas near Pensacola Bay and Bayou Texar, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Pensacola has taken direct hits from Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Hurricane Dennis in 2005 and Hurricane Sally in 2020. Storm surge and flooding push rats out of burrows, and wind damage opens new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Cooler winter nights
Pensacola sits at the western tip of the Panhandle, so winter nights are cooler than most of Florida. Rats look for warm, dry attics on cold nights, which is when many homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather sets in.
Spring cleanup after storms
Spring is when we see the most calls tied to winter attic damage and openings that opened up over the cooler months.
Tip: A spring inspection catches small gaps before summer storms make them worse.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Pensacola Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim oak branches away from the roof
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and the space under a raised home free of clutter
- Store boat and fishing gear off the floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Keep grills and trash cans away from the house
Inside the home
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in the attic and garage, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Pensacola
Pensacola is not one kind of house. What we do at a historic North Hill home is different from what we do at a ranch home in Cordova Park.
Pier and Beam Foundations
Many homes in the North Hill Preservation District and East Hill sit on pier and beam foundations with a crawl space underneath, which gives rats room to nest and get in through gaps in the skirting.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space and skirting, seal gaps with hardware cloth, then trap underneath the house until activity stops.
Roof Edge and AC Line Gaps
Single-story ranch homes built from the 1960s through the 1980s still get rats through low roof edges, AC line openings and garage doors.
Our approach: We check the roofline and garage first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Water and Dumpsters
Norway rats gather along seawalls near Pensacola Bay and Bayou Texar, and around restaurant dumpsters downtown.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline or dumpster area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics or large amounts, call us instead
Now serving Pensacola
Service area
Is your ZIP on the route?
We cover all of Pensacola and Escambia County, including these ZIP codes.
32501325023250332504325053250632507325143252632534
Areas we serve
Check my address →
North Hill · East Hill · Downtown · Palafox Street · Cordova Park · Warrington · East Pensacola Heights · Ferry Pass · Brent · Myrtle Grove · Ensley · Perdido Key
Reviews from Pensacola customers
Customer Reviews from Pensacola
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my East Hill home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
RM
Ray M.Pensacola, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled my rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
KP
Kim P.Pensacola, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for my rodent problem.”
DW
Dan W.Pensacola, FL
Verified Pensacola rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Pensacola Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection, and we come back at no extra charge if activity returns during the follow-up period.
Many homes in the North Hill Preservation District and East Hill sit on pier and beam foundations with a crawl space underneath. Gaps in the skirting, missing vent screens and old sill boards give rats a dry, hidden place to nest. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
Rats are usually active at night, while squirrels are active in the daytime. Rat droppings are about 1/2 inch long. If you are not sure, an inspection will tell us which animal it is.
In many neighborhoods, yes. Hurricane Sally hit Pensacola in September 2020 with heavy flooding and wind damage. Storm surge pushed rats out of burrows near the bay, and roof and soffit damage opened new gaps into attics. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline checked.
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak for 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. For attics or large amounts, call us.
Pest control businesses in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can look up a license on the FDACS website before you hire anyone.
Yes. We also serve Warrington, Brent, Myrtle Grove, Ensley, Navarre, Pace, Gulf Breeze and Milton. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Pensacola
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Pensacola
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Pensacola dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Pensacola Home or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Pensacola service
Give us a call. We’ll handle the next step.
Call us, tell us what you are seeing and where you are located, and our team will confirm the right appointment type and timing.
Serving PensacolaPensacola, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
